How to Reconnect the Car Stereo Wiring Harness

Now that you have the old stereo out of your car, you must install the new one. Re-connecting the wiring harness is a step that you can easily do yourself. The wiring must be connected correctly in order to get the best quality sound and performance from your new car stereo.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Disconnect your car battery. Remove any mounting brackets that are still on the car if they are unnecessary for the new installation.

2. Look at the wiring harness on the back of your new stereo. Plug the single black wire into the antenna. Attach the other wires, which allow your speakers and stereo to work properly.

3. Attach the wiring harness, using the connectors inside the open hole that holds the radio. Connect the ground wire to a metal screw or bolt.

4. Ensure that you have connected the wiring harness the right way by pushing the connectors in and listening for a click.

5. Hold the stereo in one hand and gently push the wires back into the hole with the other. Push the new system all of the way in when you are sure the wires are out of the way.

6. Test the stereo to be sure it works before putting in the final screws. Check sound quality and speakers, as well.

7. Reinstall any trim or dash parts you removed to take out the old stereo and re-connect the battery.

Resources

• Crutchfield shows how to perform correct wiring.